vol VOL
03
2009 2010
library of tibetan works & archives
Newsletter
MUSEUM RENOVATION & RESTRUCTURING Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition 10th - 20th August 2010
intensive translation programme 20th July to 20th October 2009
New chinese section The New Annexe Building
Extension Building, LTWA
4
7
8
THE NEW ANNEXE BUILDING
BOOK & MANUSCRIPT EXHIBITION
THE REOPENING OF CHINESE SECTION
The new annexe building has been built opposite to its parent Library building conceived in three stories incorporating Tibetan design elements complementing the architecture of the original building.
The event showcased some of the old and rare manuscripts and documents from the LTWA collections along with the new publications brought out over the years.
The Section holds more than 3000 books, most of which are on Chinese Buddhism but also covers other subjects of interest like ancient history of China and its traditional folk lores, etc.
CONTENTS N 4
ew annexe
building
8N
The construction of the annexe was an important project and its execution was a determining factor in the preservation and development of Tibetan culture.
5
Photo
Exhibition
ntensive translation
Programme
9
Ltwa Lecture
7R
are
Book & Manuscript
Exhibition
The event showcased some of the old and rare manuscripts and documents from the LTWA collections along with the new publications brought out over the years for sale on special discount.
series
M 15
16
S 10
cience
section
irector’s
diary
The Director’s Diary lists all the major programmes of Geshe la.
Renovation
The primary emphasis of the renewal plan will be on the spiritual nature of Tibetan Buddhist art as a core element of religious practice.
universities
with
The LTWA is actively working to develop relationships with world-class academic institutions to encourage cultural and resource exchanges.
C 17
Six monks have been selected on merit from various monasteries in India and Nepal for science education programme at Emory University, USA.
D 12
useum
& restructure
Collaboration
The LTWA organised many lectures in accordance with its aims to promote and disseminate modern education.
The ITP exclusively covered the various methods and practices adopted in the translation of Buddhist teachings and scriptures.
Hindi Journal
This year a half-yearly journal named ‘Bhotvani’ was launched. The Chinese Section has a collection of around 3000 books.
As a part of the programme of the commemoration of fifty years in exile, a tenday photo exhibition was organised entitled ‘No Beginning No End’.
I 6
ew
Chinese Section
hanging
faces
The reporting year saw the recruitment of six new staff members.
18 A
nnual
Report by
each Department The various actvities of each department are listed here under this section
Your feedback: We welcome your comments & contributions about what you would like to see in our newsletter. Please contact the Editor, publication2@ltwa.net. Layout & design: Chemi Wangmo, Photographs: Sonam Tsering. Special Acknowledgement: Vitale De Stefano and Tenzin Sonam for their valuable advises. Our mailing address: Library of Tibetan Works & Archives. Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala, 176215. H.P. INDIA. Registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 & Recognised by Himachal Pradesh University, Govt. of H.P. Tel: +91-1892-222467/226181. Fax: +91-1892-229106. E-mail: office@ltwa.net
2 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
Tashi Delek! With yet another year in exile, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) has worked tirelessly serving its mission of preserving and disseminating the unique culture and philosophy of Tibet. The need and importance of the continued services of LTWA cannot be overemphasised. After 51 long years, the Tibetan community in exile and its nuanced institutions face the ever daunting task of delivering to the new generation of Tibetans and the world, the age refined wisdom of Tibet. The continued oppression of any expression that brings out the distinct identity of Tibet - be it political, cultural or social by the Chinese “overlords” and the systematic obliteration of Tibetan language and religion has further galvanised the purpose of institutions like ours. The recent protests in Tibet, led by thousands of young school students against the Chinese government’s decision to change the medium of instruction from Tibetan to Mandarin, has in many ways been an eye-opener for the world. The crackdown on Tibetan language, which is at the core of our culture has shown the world that even after four decades the evils of the Cultural Revolution have never ceased to exist in Tibet. And, the pro-active defense of the language by Tibetans across the plateau amply proves that the Tibetan people, after six decades of being subjected to the worst forms of torture and cultural genocide, still take pride in the identity of being – to borrow a much used phrase in Tibet - ‘the ruddy faced people of the Land of Snows’. The turn of the century has witnessed a renewed interest from people around the globe in the teachings of Buddha. Scientists, film actors and students alike have sought refuge in the wisdom of highly accomplished Tibetan teachers, while many have turned to learning the Tibetan language. The teachings of Buddha and the numerous commentaries are enshrined in its most pristine and complete form in the Tibetan language. Tibetans through centuries have sacrificed in kinds and deeds to translate and preserve the words of those numerous realised masters. The recent student protests are yet another testimony to our resilience. LTWA has in its own modest ways contributed to this global resurgence of Tibetan language and Tibetan Buddhism. Various exhibitions, activities and meetings were organised by LTWA in the calendar year. Exhibitions depicting pictorial history of Tibet and rare books and manuscripts of Tibet were held for the general awareness of the public. Series of lectures by renowned professors, academicians and politicians on various topics relating to Tibet were organised. In an effort to reach an even wider audience, a new Hindi Journal was launched while the Chinese section was reopened. Other than that, numerous books on different aspects of Tibet were published in Tibetan, Hindi and English languages.
The healthy trend of the exchange of people and ideas with universities also continued. The LTWA Science section proudly witnessed the graduation of 30 monks from the Science Leadership Institute with six graduate monks selected for the prestigious Tenzin Gyatso scholarship to study for a year at Emory University,USA. LTWA extends its heartfelt gratitude for the help and support of our many well-wishers without which we could have never realised our visions. Chemi Wangmo Editor
Donors We gratefully acknowledge the following contributors during 2009 - 2010 Country
Donors Name
Purpose
U.K.
Tibet Relief fund
Sound Recording Equipment
Germany
Bartel worth, Hamburg
Sound Recording, Equipment
Japan
Koshin Suzuki
Digitization Project
Japan
Koshin Suzuki
Digitization Project
Kazakistan
Zeinulla Kakimzanov
Reconstruction of Quarters
U.S.A.
Tenzin Gyatso Institute, N.Y.
Reconstruction of Quarters
U.S.A.
Tenzin Gyatso Institute, N.Y.
Reconstruction of Quarters
U.K.
Tibet Relief Fund
Reconstruction of Quarters
Singapore
Tara Centre
General Donation
U.K.
Asya Chorley
General Donation
U.S.A.
University of Arkansas
General Donation
S. Korea
Kang, Si-Myeong
General Donation
U.S.A.
Where there Be Dragons
General Donation
Canada
Coletle Tremblay
General Donation
VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 3
The New Annexe Building Since its inception the LTWA has been responding to the growing worldwide interest in Buddhist and Tibetan culture. The LTWA offers courses, launches educational programmes in language, philosophy, culture and the traditional arts aiming to preserve Tibetan thought and culture while organising seminars, conferences, workshops and lecture series periodically to provide wider avenue of learning and sharing the knowledge among scholars and public alike. The number of users and visitors keeps increasing and this notable progression rendered the current institutional
The Director delivering inaugural speech
4 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
facilities inadequate. This prompted the construction of the annexe building to address the shortage of space. The construction of the annexe was an important project and its execution was a determining factor in the preservation and development of Tibetan culture. The new annexe building has been built opposite its parent Library building conceived in three stories incorporating Tibetan design elements complementing the architecture of the original building. Major areas of the new annexe building accommodate (conference/ seminar/workshop) hall, classrooms,
A view of the Buddhist Philosophy Classroom
audio-visual studio, stack room, etc. In future, we hope to house additional collections of Tibetan Manuscripts and the Foreign Language Reference Library. A 160 KV fully automatic electric generator was also acquired and installed to address the problem of constant power failure, particularly in monsoon and winter seasons. The construction of the new annexe building was entirely funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Recording Studio
Photo Exhibition ‘No Beginning No End’ An Exhibition of Tibetan History in Pictures As a part of the programme of the commemoration of fifty years in exile, a ten-day photo exhibition was organised at the LTWA during the inauguration of the new annexe building. Entitled ‘No Beginning No End’ this exhibition showcased the course of Tibetan history through pictures. Beginning with the geographical location and early kings of Tibet to the British expedition, Chinese invasion, escape into exile and the life in diaspora, the exposition was a complete
package that portrayed every major phase of the Tibetan history. The event, being one of its first kind held in India, attracted a significant number of visitors from the host country and as well as from abroad prompting the LTWA to extend the show by a week. The exhibition was funded by the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Arthur M. Kaufmann.
VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 5
Intensive Translation Programme 2009 The LTWA, organised the fourth threemonth Intensive Translation Programme (ITP) from 20th July to 20th October 2009. The ITP exclusively covered the various methods and practices adopted in the translation of Buddhist teachings and scriptures. The programme is conducted for a period of three months. It focuses primarily on four subjects: Buddhist philosophy and practice, Tibetan language, English language and translation methodology and practice. Whenever possible the LTWA also invites experienced translators and scholars to speak on related topics. Students are also allowed to attend scholarly talks organised by the LTWA for the general public. The LTWA entrusts students with various translation tasks during the training programme such as translating religious and secular texts from Tibetan to English and vice-versa. Translated works may be published by the LTWA. In all, the programme facilitates the training of thirty students: fifteen gratis and fifteen private students. Under the private student category, there are three sections. Fifteen seats are reserved for gratis students. They are selected through the regular selection process and provided
with accommodation and a monthly food allowance. In 2009, thirteen students were selected under this category. Usually, five seats are reserved for non-Tibetan students, five for private Tibetan candidates and five for candidates officially sent by monastic, academic or medical institutes. All of them should have an in-depth knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and adequate knowledge of spoken & written Tibetan and English. But this year since there were no nonTibetans, those seats were given to private candidates. So there were twelve private candidates this year. The two extra seats were adjusted from the two seats of the gratis category. Though, only five seats are reserved for candidates officially sent by monastic, academic or medical institutes, this year there were eight students. So, three extra students were taken in due to the request from their respective institutions. This category accepts applications directly from the institutes in favor of their candidates, whose skills will eventually be utilised by the respective institutes. In total, this year, there were five students from Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute and three from various monastic institutes.
“
I have had a great learning experience during the translation course. It took me back to the school times. All the teachers and the participants were great. Thank you LTWA for providing such a platform to us. - Dr. Tenzin Choeying TMAI LTWA is not only a treasury of Tibetan works and archives but also a storehouse of eminent accomplished scholars. As suggested by my successors, my experience at the ITP 2009 was an eye opener, introducing Me to Myself, my Tibetan identities. Never before had I ever wanted to be a Tibetan more than what I felt during my three months stay at the LTWA. I thank the LTWA administration and the highly respected teachers for their unwavering love and dedication towards preserving and promoting the rich values of the Land of Snow. - Tenzin Tsewang Jamlingpa TMAI
�
6 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
Rare book &manuscript Exhibition The Library of Tibetan Works & Archives sharing copies of new or old texts & organised a special ten-day exhibitionpechas to preserve them. Geshe la also cum-sale of books and manuscripts emphasised the need of digitization of from 10th to 20th of August 2010. The these old texts & pechas with big flaps so event showcased some of the old and rare that they could be viewed and used more manuscripts and documents from the easily and conveniently by the readers LTWA collections along with the new without harming the original document publications brought out or manuscript. For that over the years for sale at purpose, Geshe la also The Library of Tibetan Works & a special discount. The suggested the use of Archives (LTWA) is one of the event was funded by the LTWA’s Zeutschel OS Manuscript Resource Centres (MRC) National Mission for 12000 state of the art of National Mission for Manuscripts Manuscripts (NMM) scanning machine. (NMM). in celebration of their The National Annual Day. Mission for Manuscripts On the 16th of August thirteen was established in February 2003, by Institutional Librarians from nearby the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Dharamsala were invited to LTWA Government of India. The Library of to attend a special meeting on the Tibetan Works & Archives (LTWA) preservation and promotion of rare is one of the Manuscript Resource manuscripts and documents. The Centres (MRC) of National Mission for Director of LTWA, Geshe Lhakdor la, Manuscripts (NMM). A unique project requested all the Librarians to keep good in its programme and mandate, the relationship among each other by sending Mission seeks to unearth and preserve the copies of each other’s publications and vast manuscript wealth of India.
Its objectives are: 1.
Survey and document manuscripts
2.
Create an electronic database on manuscripts
3.
Train conservationists and manuscriptologists
4.
Publish rare manuscripts
5.
Spread awareness about manuscripts
VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 7
New Hindi Journal Since the inception of this section, till date six books have been published and this year a half-yearly journal named ‘Bhotvani’ was launched on the auspicious occasion of the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Journal was launched by Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche “His Eminence Kalon Tripa,” at the new LTWA Conference Hall amidst renowned scholars, professionals and dignitaries. Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche gave a short speech during the Journal: “Today from Gangchen Kyishong, we have started a Revolution in Hindi and through this
initiative we should keep the momentum of this revolution. This is a revolution in two ways. One, its a revolution in Hindi and second, ‘Bhot’ or Tibet in one sense is actually a designation of national characteristic and in another sense is of a regional characteristic. The ‘Vaani’ refers to its language and that language is in Hindi. So the revolution that has been born in this Hindi language must be sustained.” Through this Journal, articles on Tibetan religion, culture, tradition, history, folk tales and poetry are published. The
Section would be happy if the general readers could give suggestions and comments and provide articles to further improve the future issues of this Journal. Taking this opportunity, the Hindi Section would like to acknowledge all those who have given suggestions and contributed articles. We also hope that in future, not only the scholars, but the general public will also contribute articles.
Reopening of the Chinese Section As an addition to the ever increasing activities of LTWA, in January this year the Chinese section under the Foreign Language Reference Library was relocated and opened. Every year with the influx of more and more Tibetans into India, the number of Tibetans who know and have studied Chinese language have increased. So in order to facilitate them with a place to read and study Chinese books and also to let Chinese students and scholars studying Tibetan Buddhism and language discuss and exchange ideas among themselves, this section was opened. Till now, this section has a collection of around 3000 books and around 2000 books are being catalogued. Among them, are many books on Chinese Buddhism
8 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
and also well-known stories and books on the ancient history of China have been well preserved. There are also around 100 books of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama including writings, articles and various other topics translated into Chinese language. Currently, the section has a two-fold objective of collecting books relating to Tibet and preserving the books received from the P.R.C. National Library and Taiwan. In addition to the current activities, the Section plans to provide translation services from Chinese to Tibetan and vice-versa and organise classes on the fundamentals of the Chinese language. With this effort, the section hopes to
contribute, in a small way towards the overall awareness and development of education of the Tibetan youngsters in exile.
LTWA Lecture Series Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile Mr. Tsering Samdup, Education Officer - DoE 27th Aug
Making Dictionary & How to Solve the Translation Problems
Principles and Procedures of the Central Tibetan Administration
Acharya Karma Monlam, Joint Secretary - DoE 17th Sept
Mr. Thupten Lungrik, Education Minister - CTA 23rd July
Supreme Justice Commission of Tibetans in Exile Mr. Ngawang Thupten, Justice Commissioner - CTA 9th July
Finding Meaningful Career and Blend in Tibet Issue and Personal Experiences Dr. Nyima Dorjee, Canada 4th Sept
Peace Dialogue between Tibet and China Mr. Thubten Samphel, Secretary - DIIR 3rd Sept
Decision Principle (In English) Mr. Michael Graham, Writer 21st July
Charter of the Tibetans in Exile Mr. Pema Jungne, Member - TPIE 16th July
Tibetan Parliament in Exile
Education
Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker - TPIE 6th Aug
exile administration
13th Dalai Lama’s Confidential Letter to the Czar
Sustainable Organic Agricultural Methods
Prof. Jampa Samten, CUTS 5th July
History
Mr. Ngodup Dorjee Sogtoe, Secretary - DoH 20th Aug
agriculture
Wind Bile and Phelgm according to Tibetan Medication Dr. Pema Dorje, TMAI 30th June
medicine
Meditation Geshe Thupten Pelsang 30th July
The Healing Power of Compassion Prof. Geshe Losang Tenzin Negi, Emory University June 14
Handling of Dead Body in Tibetan Societies, specially at Amdo Golok, Tibet Ven. Dhamchoe Palsang, LTWA 24th Sept
Exploring the Connection between Awareness, Qualia and Light Dr. Alexander Escobar, Emory University May 28
Addiction & Craving in the Brain Prof. Mike Kuhar, Emory University June 8
Dying, Death and Handling Dead Body Mr. Karma Drakpa, LTWA 13th Aug
Buddhism
Science VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 9
First Science Leadership Graduates
This is a significant historic achievement, and for the first time in the history of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan monastics, 30 of them, will be deployed as teachers and leaders of science education to several major monastic institutions that include; Sera, Gaden, Drepung, Sakya, and Bon (Tashi Menri) Monastery. These five institutions are home to approximately 15,000 monastics. The graduation ceremony was graced by the Minister for Education, CTA, Mr. Thupten Lungrik la at Deer Park, Bir, on May 14, 2010 at 2.30 p.m. The new graduates will bring back to their home monasteries a variety of teaching strategies and educational materials, from cosmology to neuroscience, developed through the support of the Sager Family Foundation that include; hands-on activities, translated articles, writing assignments, and fully translated and dubbed educational science videos. In addition to teaching other monks science, the science leaders will publish articles on Buddhism and science, conduct science exhibitions, organise dialogues on the interface between science and 10 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
spirituality, and help develop the vision and materials that expand opportunities for monastics to engage with science at their home monastic institutions. Since 2001, the Sager Family Foundation has been working in partnership with the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) in Dharamshala, India, to provide opportunities for Tibetan Buddhist monks exiled in India to study science. Through the Science for Monks programme, a critical mass of monks with sufficient knowledge and interest in sharing science, as well as substantial demand for science education, was created through annual intensive 4-week science education workshops, for 50 monks, organised from 2001 to 2007. A major outcome of this work was the launch of the Science Leadership Institute in 2008, through which, thirty of these monastics were trained to teach and lead science education. The Science Leadership Institute organised local monastic leadership groups supported by bi-annual 2-week workshops implemented by expert teachers from
major education institutions, including the Exploratorium in San Francisco, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Arizona, Tucson. In addition to continued support of the first cohort, a second cohort of 30 monastics will be recruited in May 2011.
Monks performing hands on activity on five senses
6 Monks join Emory University Six monks from the first cohort of science leadership graduates have been selected for Tenzin Gyatso scholarship to study at Emory University. This scholarship is a joined effort of Emory University, to waive the tuition fee of monks for one year and Tenzin Gyatso Institutes, New York sponsoring the monks’ boarding and travel. The monks will study science at an advanced level in various disciplines including Neuroscience, Cosmology and Life sciences. The six monks who joined Emory University this fall were selected from various monasteries in India and Nepal. After the completion of their one year
Tenzin Gyatso Scholars: Gelek Gyatso (Drepung Loseling), Lodoe Sangpo (Gaden Jangtse), Sherap Tenzin (Drepung Loseling), Ngawang Norbu, (Sera Jhe) Yundrung Konchok (Menri Bon) & Thabkhe (Sera Jhe)
programme, the monks will return to become leaders and teachers in science education in their respective monasteries. This is yet another historic moment in the history of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism, where monks formally undertook to study a field of knowledge beyond their curriculum, and that too in a western university. It will be a continued effort to send more monks to study more advanced science and technology. This scholarship aims to nurture people who can benefit tremendously in the exchange of knowledge between the two main investigative traditions of the world.
Exhibition: World of your senses The ‘World Of Your Senses: Exhibition’ will explore the most simple yet intriguing questions like: How do we see? How does hearing work? How do we percieve smell? How does taste work? How do we sense touch? For each of the five senses, not only the scientific explanation will be presented but also, illustrations of the parallel views from Buddhism &Western Science on sensory perception will also be presented. This exhibition is the work of the first graduates of the Science Leadership Institute with support from expert teachers from major educational institutions, including the Exploratorium in San Francisco, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Arizona, Tucson.
It will be premiered at India Habitat center, New Delhi from 19-23 November, 2010. This coincides with the Mind and Life XXII, which is the most reputed platform for Science-Buddhism dialogue. So this exhibition is the fruit of the cultural and knowledge exchange between different investigative traditions of this world in an attempt to answer many challenging questions of our world. The artwork for the exhibit has been done by local Tibetan thangka artists. The paintings are prepared according to traditional methods of Tibetan thangka painting. Also, five monks will highlight various hands-on activities and experiments related to the five senses. To reach a wider audience, copies of the exhibit will be made available to
various monastic institutions and schools and ways to travel the exbihit around the world will also be explored as this is the first major exhibit of its kind although three other exhibits have also taken place. This exhibition will be a pioneer for future exhibitions on other topics of mutual interest. The LTWA is extremely thankful to Sager family foundation for extending full financial support for this exhibition and many other science educational programmes for the monks since 2000. VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 11
September 14 Open talk at the Palas Athena on “Knowledge for the Future: His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s views on the convergence of science and spirituality” and on “The Art of Forgiveness”. September 15 Open talk to the doctors of the INCOR (Institute of the Heart); a hospital that is very reputed for its excellent doctors at Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Director’s Diary 2009 August 3 Met and spoke to around 15 Students from America in the LTWA dharma hall on the need to have awareness of reality of the world and also on the relevance of Buddha dharma in today’s situation. August 5 Spoke on Tibetan Losar at Upper TCV to around 20 Tibetan youths who attended the summer camp at Upper TCV and who came from various states of America and Europe. August 11 Gave two sessions of talks on how to proceed in harmony with His Holiness’s long term and immediate visions and thoughts. The talk was given during the 10 day special intensive training course organised by Public Service Commission, CTA to a group of newly selected government officials. August 13 Interviewed by Ms. Doris, an Austrian, for her research about governing processes of the Tibetan community in exile. She is a student of Social and Cultural Anthropology as well as Indology from Vienna, Austria. August 19 Gave a talk to around 12 Netherlanders who were really interested about some key concepts in Buddhism. The meeting was requested and organised by Tibet Tours and Travels, Dharamsala.
August 29 Invited by the Tibetan Writers Abroad P.E.N. Centre as the chief guest on the opening of the two day special general assembly of the writers on the occasion of commemoration of 50 years in exile. September 4 Interview with Ms. Amanda Hooton, a senior Australian Journalist working with Good Weekend magazine, the biggest newspaper magazine in Sydney. The magazine was celebrating its 25th Anniversary Edition. September 11 – 30 Geshe la’s visit to SAO PAULO (Brazil), BOGOTA (Colombia), MONTERREY (Mexico) and Mexico City. September 11 Meeting at the International Relations Department of UNIFESP with researchers and teachers on: a) examining projects for implementing the existing cooperation agreement between UNIFESP and MenTsee-Khang; b) articulate a project for partnership with the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala. Talk on “Science and Spirituality Convergence towards a new space of knowledge” to the public in general at the Auditorium A at UNIFESP. Sept. 12 – 13 Opening of the Retreat “Self-confidence, compassion, and determination” for approximately 45 meditators with consolidated practice from several parts of Brazil.
September 19 – 20 Gave two days teachings on Tibetan Buddhism at Bogota, Colombia at the Yamantaka Centre. He also gave talks on ‘Knowledge for the future: HH’s view on the convergence of science and spirituality’ and ‘Taking refuge’. Helped 15 people to formally become Buddhists. September 22 to 28 Visited Tecnologico de Monterrey and Consejo de valores (Council of Valued of the City), Monterrey, Mexico - as a key note speaker at the Conference to around 6000 people. Geshe la also led an advanced retreat for the members of the Casa Tibet in Monterrey and gave two days of teaching on Tibetan Buddhism. On the 23rd and 24th, he attended the Symposium of the Technology University of Monterrey. Visited Mexico City from the 26th to the 28th and gave lectures at the Casa Tibet Mexico. October 3 Explained the fundamentals of Buddhism and answered questions on rebirth, origin of the world etc. with Vice President, Mr. Johnnie Moore, Jr. Professor of Religion at Liberty University, the President of their Theological Seminary with 28 students. October 13 Executive Meeting of LTWA was held. October 24 Meeting with Miami Professor for digitisation proposal. November 1 Talk on Teacher Student Relationship to Tibetan Teacher Partners and SFU trainees November 2 The second Governing Body Meeting of the year was held successfully. November 7 A talk on the Role of Buddhism in Tibetan Struggle was given to around 35 English Journalism students of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New
Delhi during their visit to Dharamsala from 6 – 8 November, 2009. This was organised for the annual Indian media student awareness programme on Tibet issue by Tenzin Lekshay, Coordinator India Tibet Coordination Office H-10, Lajpat Nagar -III November 10 to 15 Gave a series of talk on ‘The Value of Patience in Cultivating Happiness’ based on Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara at the Causarina, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. The Director also met a number of people for personal interviews and consultations. On 15 November the Director also gave a special talk on ‘The Importance of Buddha’s Teachings’ to around 50 Tibetan youths at the World Buddhist Centre (Japan Gompa), East of Kailash, New Delhi organised jointly by Empowering the Vision Project and World Buddhist Centre. November 22 - 24 As invited by the DIIR, Dharamsala, gave a talk on “Buddhism in the 21st Century” during the Tibet Week in Bangalore from 22 - 24 November. This was a part of the Thank You India event for increasing the Indian public’s awareness for the tremendous efforts made by Tibetan exiles in community-building, cultural preservation and education of our children.
January15 Meeting with official guest, Dr. Alpo Ratia, Coordinator of Europe People’s Forum in Finland. January 18 – 23 Attended the Department of Culture’s Terminology Finalisation Meeting as the chairman. January 24 The Director discussed with Prof. Dean Curtin, Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy, Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, MN, on Buddhism and Non-violence. January 25 Gave two hours of talk on Basics of Buddhism to around 20 university students from Long Island in New York. They were on a religious studies semester. It was led by Debi Goldman, Assistant Director, Global College, Long Island University Brooklyn NY.
2010 May 26 Spoke to 12 American students of Fort Lewis College in the morning and in the afternoon, spoke to around 50 students from 10 universities on the 9th intensive training of Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Leader.
December 14 During the Buddha Dharma Week – 2009 organised by All-India Centre and the Dharma Rain Centre, the Director gave a talk on ‘the crisis of a culture in exile: its literature, art, and the institutions that keep them alive, including the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, and the MenTsee-Khang or Tibetan Medical Institute’ at the Theosophy Hall, Mumbai.
June 3 Interviewed by two Indian girls from the Delhi School of Economics.
Dec. 18 Gave a talk at Xaviers College
June 8 Spoke on the relevance of Buddhism in this changing life to 10 Gurukul Indian students who visited Dharamsala for an exchange programme organised by the Foundation for Universal Responsibility.
Dec. 19 – 20 Gave two day teachings at retreat House in Chunnabhati Buddha Vihara. Taught Nagarjuna’s Letter to a Friend. Around 8 people attended. Dec. 21 Gave a talk at Somaiya College, around 30 people attended. December 30 Talk to 11th standard, CST students on Practical Benefits of Buddhism.
June 7 Spoke to around 30 Tibetan college students at Sara Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in the morning and in the afternoon, spoke to around 16 people from Cross Cultural Solutions, Palampur.
June 23 Gave a talk to around 28 people from America and Canada organised by Cross Cultural Solutions, Dharamsala. July 2 Interviewed by TCRC regarding His Holiness’s contribution to Peace and Universal responsibility and my
experiences with him during my sixteen years of work with him. July 5 Gave a talk on the present Tibetan Crisis and the importance of preserving Tibetan Culture and Religion. It was attended by around 12 students from Ontana University, U.S. and was organised by Tibet Tours and Travels. July 9 Attended the Governing Body Meeting in the morning and in the evening gave a talk to Cross Cultural Solutions. July 14 – 20 The Director visited Singapore from the 14th to 20th of July. During this visit he gave teachings on ‘Lamrim’ and ‘Four mandala offerings to Chittamani Tara’. He also helped 22 people to formally become Buddhists. August 3 Interviewed by Dr. Robert Hattam and team from Universiy of South Australia on the Tibetan Diaspora. August 4 Gave a talk to Cross Culture Group attended by around 15 students. September 4 Attended the Annual Meeting of the Governing Body Members of the Buddhist Women’s Educational Society at Dolma Ling, Siddbari. Sept 14 to 16 The Director and Science Department staff, Karma Thupten visited the Nepal Gelugpa Education Forum. During this visit, the Director gave talks on Philosophical connection between Buddhism and Science, Physics and Cosmology and Psychology and neuroscience / brain size. They also visited Kopan Monastery, Namgyal Middle School and various other institutes. September 22-24 As requested by CUTS, Varanasi, the Director visited the university and attended the Senior Camp and gave lectures on 1) comparative idea of big bang theory and beginning less, 2) quantum theory with reference to part less Atom theory of Buddhism and 3)comparative idea of psychology. October 5 The second Governing Body meeting of the year was held successfully.
New Publications
The Tibet Journal
phayul gyi phan bde’I ched dhu
Bodhipathpardipa
(Special Issue)
Translated by Chung Tsering
Translated by Prof. P. Sharma
mngon par ’byung ba’i mdo, is the life story of Buddha Shakyamuni extracted from the kangyur texts. So this life story becomes the word of Buddha himself.
Autumn & Winter 2009 Vol. XXXIV No.3 & 4, Spring & Summer 2010 Vol. XXXV No. 1 & 2 Proceedings of the International Seminar on Tibetan & Himalayan Studies, Held at the LTWA, September 2009 on the Occasion of the ‘Thank You India’ Year
Melvyn C. Goldstein, William R. Siebenschuh, Tashi Tsering An incredible first hand account of his life; beginning from his childhood in a peasant village in Tibet, to his adolesence in service to the Dalai Lama, to his travels to India, America, China and back to Tibet.
Melvyn C. Goldstein, William R. Siebenschuh, Tashi Tsering Atisha’s most celebrated text, entitled Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, sets forth the entire Buddhist path within the framework of three levels of motivation on the part of the practitioner.
₹ 265
₹ 500
₹ 300
₹ 65
mngon par ’byung ba’i mdo
ISBN: 978-93-80359-13-7
₹ 110
ISSN: 0970-5368
₹ 110
₹ 125
14 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
₹ 65
₹ 170
ISBN: 978-93-80359-00-7
₹ 240
₹ 175
₹ 200
₹ 210
ISBN: 978-93-80359-02-1
₹ 225
₹ 140
Museum Renovation and Restructuring
MANUSCRIPT DIGITIZATION
(30 SQM)
(80 SQM)
PHOTOCOPY
SHOP (20 SQM)
MANUSCRIPT DISPLAY
PART 1: BEGINNINGS: TIBET ADOPTS BUDDHISM A. BUDDHISM ARRIVES AT TIBET B. FROM MASTER TO DISCIPLE, SCHOOLS AND LINEAGES
THE PROJECT’S ANTICIPATED OBJECTIVES The project’s anticipated objective is to set up new galleries where contents are presented in a clear and communicative manner; where exhibition elements and space derive inspiration from traditional Tibetan design and where items are scientifically displayed and protected from further deteriorations. The new design will enable optimal viewing conditions and inspiring presentation of artifacts and the spiritual tradition they symbolise. The Museum’s environment will aim to create a sacred atmosphere, respecting the original environment of the artifacts and their meaning for Tibetans in exile. ESTIMATED BUDGET FRAMEWORK The estimated budget for the museum’s renewal is approximately 117,000 USD for work and expenditure both in Israel and in India. Budget Estimate Cost Evaluation of Renovation and related works Main categories
Ind. ₹
US$
0
Preliminary work
18,200
1,300
1
Architectural renovation
806,300
18,325
2
Exhibition furniture
906,400
20,600
3
Special artifact holders
147,400
3,350
4
Visual communication (graphic design)
198,000
4,500
5
Writing/editing/ translations
191,400
4,350
6
Conservation
378,840
8,610
7
Consultants Fees (Dharamsala)
660,000
15,000
8
Contingency
334,400
7,600
Total:
₹ 36,40,940
83,635
CONTENT The primary emphasis of the renewal plan will be on the spiritual nature of Tibetan Buddhist art as a core element of religious practice. The display will emphasise the uniqueness of Tibetan Buddhist history, religion, its art and culture, the Exile, and the mission to preserve and disseminate this cultural heritage. To contextualise the artifacts, the human, natural and architectural landscape of Tibet will be reintegrated into the exhibits as a reminder of their original settings along with the curatorial concept. The Curatorial concept therefore, is based on three main themes: 1. Tibet Adopts Buddhism 2. On the Path to Enlightenment 3. Exile and Continuity
DESIGN APPROACH The goal of the Museum’s renewal is that the spiritual context and meaning of the artifacts and their artistic value become evident to all the visitors – Tibetan and non-Tibetan alike. Communicating the content of Tibetan Buddhist art and culture is the ultimate purpose of the renovation alongside the renovation of the current and new exhibition spaces. Content and Visual Communication: Each main and secondary section of the display will open with a written introduction accompanied by a group of special artifacts to convey its spiritual meaning. Special items will be
MANUSCRIPT DIGITIZATION (80 SQM)
MANUSCRIPT DISPLAY
INTRODUCTION Since 2007 the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives and the Israeli Friends of the Tibetan People at Jerusalem have been collaborating towards the renewal of the LTWA Museum at the LTWA. The Museum contains more than 1000 art objects, mainly metal sculptures that were offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Tibetans who fled Tibet. The collections are regarded as very important and invaluable to human race particularly among Tibetans. The museum’s renewal is currently in its final phase of planning. A group of Tibetan Buddhist art experts at Jerusalem, on the advice of the LTWA Director, Venerable Geshe Lhakdor, has been developing a scientific design plan but without losing the traditional value and significance.
(30 SQM)
(20 SQM)
PART 2: ON THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT
PART 3: MONASTERIES IN EXILE
A. THE BEST OF TEACHERS BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI B. BEINGS FOR THE SAKE OF OTHER BEINGS: BODHISATTVAS C. VAJRA YANA: THE DIRECT PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT
MUSEUM
(250 SQM)
followed by extended commentaries illustrating their rich symbolic language. Renovation of the museum’s interiors: Traditional Tibetan design elements will be integrated into the new design. The floors will be replaced and a new lighting system will be added. Special preventive conservation standards will be integrated, where humidity, temperature and the materials of the new furniture will assure that the artifacts are well preserved. Restoration of the existing traditional furniture: The existing traditional furniture will be restored by Tibetan craftsmen. Their facades will be cleaned, their interiors replaced and new lighting will be integrated. This phase of the work has already begun. Implementation of new Exhibition Furniture: Exhibition furniture design will be developed in collaboration with traditional Tibetan craftsmen and modern, up-to-date design methods; special elements, safety and preventive conservation standards will be integrated. Conservation of sensitive and damaged items: Dharamsala is one of the most humid areas of India besides being highly prone to earthquakes. The design will aim to integrate measures to meet these conditions so that the displayed items have the best possible conditions and are protected as much as possible. FUTURE DESIGN PERSPECTIVE A gradual development plan will try to meet both immediate and future expansion needs. The renewal will enable enlargement of the museum’s floor area. The extended plan suggests that the Museum spaces can occupy most of the second floor and will include a temporary exhibition gallery, offices and workshops (for scanning original manuscripts, a restoration lab and a safe). Extending the Museum spaces in the future will enable a display of ethnographic items. The added value of gathering museum and museumrelated professions in the second floor is that safety measures and preventive conservation standards can be implemented within a limited floor area. (for more information log on to: http:/ltwa.net)
VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 15
Collaboration with Universities The Library of Tibetan Works of Archives is actively working to develop relationships with world-class academic institutions around the globe to encourage the exchange of cultural materials and other resources.
MOU with federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed on 21st November 2009 between the Universidade Federal De Sao Paulo - UNIFESP and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives for the establishment of an academic and exchange programme.
Agreement Between Kalmyk State University and LTWA An Agreement on Cooperation Development between the State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education “Kalmyk State University� (Russian Federation, Kalmykia, Elista) and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives was signed on 9th March 2010.
Agreement Between Russian Academy of Sciences and LTWA An Agreement on research collaboration between Establishment of Russian Academy of Sciences Kalmyk Institute for Humanitarian Studies of Russian Academy of Sciences and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives was signed on 9th March 2010.
Agreement Between Emory University and LTWA On 11th June 2010 an agreement was signed between the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives and Emory University. The purpose of the agreement is to bring modern science education to Tibetan monastic institutions and bring the Tibetan science of mind into modern education by developing and implementing a comprehensive and sustainable science education program for Tibetan monks and nuns. The agreement was signed by Geshe Lhakdor, Director, LTWA and Dr. Rosemary Magee, Vice President and Secretary of the University, in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
16 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
Changing Faces
New Faces Mrs. Tenzin Pema Sales Officer Publication Sales
The reporting year saw the recruitment of six new staff members. The following staff has been elevated: 1. Mr. Yeshi Dhondup has been promoted and appointed as Managing Editor of the Tibet Journal. The year under review saw the resignation of one staff, Mr. Sangye Tashi of the Science Department.
Mr. Tsewang Gyalpo Asstt. Res. & Trans. Officer Hindi Section Research & Translation Department
Miss. Lobsang Dolma Archive Assistant Audio - Visual Archive
Staff Strength at a Glance Total Regular Posts:
55 (Fifty-Five)
Filled:
49 (Forty-Nine)
Vacant:
6 (Six)
No. of Contract Staff:
9 (Nine)
No. of Volunteers:
3 (Three)
No. of Resignee:
1 (One)
Mr. Tsering Norbu Asstt. Res. & Trans. Officer Research & Translation Department
Mr. Tenzin Lungtok Asstt. Res. & Trans. Officer Research & Translation Department
Mr. Nyima Dorjee Library Assistant Foreign Language Library
Mr. Tenzin Migmar Multi-media Technician Administration
VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 17
Annual Report by each Department Tibetan Books & Manuscripts Library A. Brief report 1.
No. of books & manuscripts 339 purchased
2.
No. of books & manuscripts 256 obtained on donations
3.
No. of books & manuscripts 2027 loaned
4.
No. of books & manuscripts 5660 circulation (daily record)
5.
No. of data catalogued in Slim database
6141
6.
No. of Books/Periodicals/news papers for Binding.
214
B. Books and Manuscripts purchased A total of 339 books were bought costing Rs. 1,18,942.50. Following is a list of some of the important ones: 1.
mdo sngags kyi gzhung chen mo’i tshig mdzod
2.
‘ba’ thang gi lo rgyus
3.
gong sa bcu bzhi pa chen po’i gsung
4.
rta wang dgon pa’i lo rgyus
5.
mdo khams spom ‘bor sgang gi lo rgyus
6.
mdzad rnam rgya chen snying rje’i rol mtsho Vol.1-6
7.
mgo log dbang chen ‘bum gi lo rgyus
8.
mdzod dge gling dkar gyi lo rgyus
9.
mi nyag dang ra this dgon gi lo rgyus
10.
bla dpe tshogs
11.
bya mdo klu byams rgyal gyi rtsom phyogs bsgrigs
12.
rlung dmar ‘ur ‘ur
13.
bod spyi bshad
14.
rje ‘jam dbyangs rgya mtsho mchog gi gsung
15.
mi la’i mgur ‘bum mdzod nag ma Vol. 2
16.
rmi lam ‘phrug pa’i lo
17.
mi rabs gsum gyi rmi lam
18.
rtsis ‘khor gyi rmang gzhi’i shes bya
19.
bod kyi dmangs khrod mig mangs sgyu rtsal
20.
rgyu cha bdams bsgrigs Vol. 26-27
18 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
21.
chos rnam kun ‘dus Vol. 1-3
22.
Collected writings of co ne grags pa bshad grub Vol. 1-18
23.
Collected writings of ‘u yug pa’i Vol. 1-3
24.
Collected writings of Taranatha Vols. 1-45
25.
nges don phyag rgya chen po’i rgya gzhung Vol. 1-11
26.
Collected works of rtogs ldan ‘jam dbyangs mkyen rab Vol. 1-4
27.
Collected works of Khan rab ‘od gsal
28.
snga ‘gyur rgyal ba dpal yul gyi khrid yig Vols. 1-3
C. Books
and
Manuscripts
received
through donations
This year a total of 256 books & manuscripts were received through donation. Following is a list of some of the important ones:
Mr. Thupten Phuntsok, Assistant Librarian, attended a three days Preventive Conservation Seminar organised by National Manuscripts Mission (NMM) and Department of Language and Culture Shimla, H.P at Chamba from 8th to10th December, 2009. 2
FOREIGN LANGUAGE REFERENCE SECTION Foreign Language Reference section of this institution is bestowed with the responsibility of acquiring, classifying and cataloguing the books and other materials relating to Tibet. The Department had four volunteers this year and all of them worked on scanning old news paper clippings to digitize information and published them on the System for Library Information Management.
Acquisition:
1.
dbyin bod shan sbyar
2.
mnga’ ris mang yul skyid grong gi lo rgyus
3.
rag rdo blo bzang bstan ‘dzin gyi dpyad rtsom
4.
ser byes ngo sprod
5.
gnyan chen thang lha lo rgyus
6.
bod rig pa’i zhib ‘jug
7.
spo rong gi lo rgyus
8.
‘brug pa khams sprul brgyad pa’i rnam thar
9.
kam tshang yab sras drug gi rnam thar
10.
dbra phrug ngag dbang gi lo rgyus
11.
mdo smad lo rgyus chen mo
12.
kirti mtshan zhabs kyi rnam thar
13.
Nalanda’i zhib ‘jug
14.
mang thos klu sgrub rgya mtsho’i gsung
15.
mdo khams chu bzhi sgang drug gi lo rgyus
16.
gsar du rnyed pa’i bon po’i gna’ dpe
17.
btsan rgol rgyal skyob Vol. 5-6
Reference Services & Membership:
18.
khor yug skor bka’ slob
19.
dge bzhes dkon mchog bsam gtan gyi gsung
20.
sras rgyud kyi rnam thar
21.
thang kha gces skyong dang de’i lag len
22.
rig pa’i gter mdzod
23.
Collected writings of ldan ma blo chos rin po che
24.
dam chos ‘grel pa bzhi sgrags
A total of 394 readers enrolled for the Library membership this year. Among those, eighty eight were research scholars, 289 were general public and seventeen were institutional members. This year 2700 books were read and consulted in the reading room and around 2,415 books were loaned to research scholars, institutions and the LTWA staff members. 670 titles were lent out for photocopying.
Books This year seventy five new titles were purchased and 370 new books were received through gifts and donations by authors, publishers and numerous other individuals. Serials Periodicals are acquired through the Publication’s Exchange Programme and on a complimentary basis. The academic journals are received on an exchange basis and newsletters on complimentary basis. The recent additions are: • Tibetan Voice: Australia’s first Tibetan Magazine in English • SGI Quarterly: A Buddhist Forum for Peace, Culture and Education • Out Look Magazine
Technical Service: 3,704 press clippings were filed. More than 3,000 news paper clippings were scanned, catalogued (in English and Hindi) and published in the SLIM software. Around 300 card catalogues were prepared manually. Queries from the readers were resolved through post and email.
Classification and Cataloguing: 450 titles including books, theses, reports and proceedings were classified, catalogued and successfully entered in the SLIM software. All the titles in Hindi language were re-entered in their respective scripts with the input of Hindi Unicode in SLIM software. Works on analytical entries have also been done along with data entry of new books. 2
Audio-Visual Archive • This year 199 titles totaling 801 hours and 53 minutes of Audio and Video in various forms and through various mediums were archived safely. The collection includes discourses, speeches, interviews, TV and radio broadcasts and other accounts related to Tibet • The Department continues to provide access to the collections in the archive to those interested in Tibetan studies and culture. Buddhist philosophy classes held at the Library can be downloaded from the LTWA website for those who cannot make it to the Library • Buddhist Philosophy teachings of the year 2009 are available on LTWA website and Buddhist Philosophy teachings from 2006 to 2009 are available in the archive in CD and DVD in mp3 format for all the users • The Department continues to record, edit, copy, digitize, maintain data and archive audio-visual materials on Tibet • The third of the four annual grants from the Tibet Relief Fund for our archive assistant was timely received and utilised for the ongoing projects in the Library. This grant was for the year 2009 to 2010 and it was acknowledged with gratitude to Mrs. Philippa Carrick, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tibet Relief Fund in U.K. • On 1st September 2009, Mr. Sonam Tsering was appointed as a permanent staff in the vacant post of a photo archive assistant. And on 1st November 2009, Miss. Lobsang Dolma was appointed as a contract staff vide LTWA resolution No.7 in the vacant post of Mr. Tenzin Sonam
• Purchased one set of Western Digital Share Space network Storage System of NAS Box with a capacity of 4000 GB (4TB), and two external Seagate FreeAgent with a capacity of 1000 GB each (2TB). This system has the benefit of quick convenient installation and usage with no risk • We gratefully acknowledge Mrs. Tenzin Yega from Singapore for donating a second-hand -IBM ThinkPad 141 Laptop with one adaptor and one IBM optical wheel mouse to the department • Since 2009 some of the archive’s recorded materials have been made available for sale on CDs and DVDs with permission from the LTWA Director Geshe Lhakdor la • In December 2009, the archive’s staff Miss Tsering Dolkar, Miss Lobsang Dolma and Mr. Sonam Tsering (Photographer) spent a short period of time at the Archives and Research Centre Gurgaon to learn various aspects of audio-visual and photo digitization and technical help for digitization facilities. Among the topics covered were: digitization, digital infrastructure, digital audio parameters, audio file formats, archival standards and policies for digitization, analogue to digital conversion, hardware selection and its maintenance, maintenance of analogue equipment, tape restoration, data storage, metadata for preservation, storage media, and archiving on CDs and DVDs etc. under the guidance of Dr. Shubha Chaudhuri (Director) and Mr. Uma Shankar (Technician) of the Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology at AIIS Gurgaon in Haryana. On the Way back some necessary Audio-Visual Archive accessories were purchased • In the month of January 2010, two staff members from the Audio-Visual archive went to Bodhgaya, Bihar, to record the live teachings and capture photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Digitization Report of the year 20092010 • In the year 2009 and 2010, the Audio Visual Archive Department gave special attention to Digitization of the various teachings, talks and etc, which were archived in analogue format such as DAT, VHS, Audio Cassettes, DV Tape and Spool Tape. Simultaneously, without any hindrance on the digitization part, the Department also produced Audio/Video CDs and DVDs of various talks and teachings etc, which are felt helpful for students and scholars. The Department primarily focused on digitization and have successfully digitized a great deal of audio/visual on wav and mp3 files.
Following is a list of digitization done in the academic year: Digital Audio Tape: 283 tapes containing 50 titles with total duration of 350 hours Audio Cassettes: 700 Tapes containing 150 titles with total duration of 1,320 hours DV Tapes: 35 Tapes containing around 15 various titles with 40 hours of recording Spool Tapes: 200 Spools containing around 60 various titles with 580 hours of recording On the whole this year the Department digitized more than 275 titles, with 2,290 hours of recording • Apart from Digitization, the major concern was on Database Maintenance, which helps keep intact all the necessary information related to the Department’s record and catalogue. It was started in the year 2006 with information only in Tibetan, this year, the information has been facilitated in English also for better accessibility. Data feeding is under process, the database is being updated accordingly. The information in Tibetan is being translated into English and so far 60% of the translation has been done. The Department looks forward to an updated and complete database in English just as the one in Tibetan • The Department of Audio Visual Archive has produced some audio/video, CDs/DVDs of the classes organised by LTWA. The classes are recorded and edited on a daily basis right after the class and on completion of the course those recordings are made available as soft copies with the required details on the cover. The Buddhist Philosophy Teachings of the year 2009 are available on the LTWA website to download and Buddhist Philosophy teachings of 2006 to 2009 are available in the archive for all the users. • The recording materials and photographs shall be accessible to all users in accordance with the rules and regulations of the LTWA. The archive is open to all interested scholars and are catalogued and documented to allow the greatest possible access to scholars and researchers 2
ORAL HISTORY Books Published: 1. Oral History Series 26. A memoir of twenty years in Bhutan (‘brug tu mi lo nyishu bsdad pa’ brjed byang) 2. Research and analysis on Nalanda (Nalanda zhib ‘jug) VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 19
3. A pilgrim’s guide by Fa-han (Fahan gnas skor lam yig) Compiled and edited: 1.
Establishment of religious centre in Buxar and Dalhousie
2.
An account narrating the military services rendered by Dawa Tsering
3.
An autobiography of Thubten Tenzin
2.
A photo of Gadong Tsen sGog monastery
3.
Six photographs of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama during his visit to India in 1956
4.
A color photo of Captain Chongye Choeshar Lobsang Chodak, former Tibetan resistant army 2
Research & Translation Department
Procured materials: 1.
The social and nomadic lifestyle in Tsang Nyemo as narrated by Jampa
2.
The primordial situation and condition of Mustang Guerilla as provided by Jedung
1.
Tibet Journal Vol. XXXV, XXXVI, XXXVII and XXXVIII, 2008
Monlam
2.
A biography of Lama Ogyen and the four generations of mdotha physician as provided by Dr. Tashi Namgyal
Bodhipathpardip (Byang chub lam sgrol) (Hindi)
3.
sGrung gter (Treasury of Fables) Vol. II
4.
Translated Human Approach to World Peace by H.H. the Dalai Lama from English to Tibetan, entitled ‘gro ba mi’i ngos nas ‘dzam gling gzhi bde skrun
3.
4.
Digpa Tadin narrating an account of his son and the lifestyle of nomads and farmers in Gampa District
5.
The nomads, farmers and social conditions of Gyaltse District as narrated by Gyaltsen Choephel and Choezom
6.
The nomadic livelihood in Do-Kham Ju as described by Tharchin
7.
Describing sacred images and objects of Ngari Thoding monastery by Geshe Lobsang Monlam
8.
Life history of the former cabinet minister Gyaltong Tsering as provided by Tsering Dolma
9.
An autobiography of prominent artist Penpa Dorje
10.
A biography of Dawa Tsering (28 supplementary pages)
11.
Dragyab Sas Geleg Namgyal agreed to present an account on his father Drag Thon Choegyal Dorje and the elder Drag Sas Jampa Gyaltsen
Compilation
of
historical
research
and analysis:
1.
Rise and decline of political power and influence of Tibet between 1911 to 1950
Old photographs Department: 1.
obtained
by
the
A picture of Panam Lhuntse Distt. provided by former political prisoner Ven. Palden Gyatso
20 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
Publications this year:
Works in Progress: • Doing a practical research on teaching Tibetan as a Foreign Language: The first book is on Tibetan pronunciation entitled ‘Manual of Standard Tibetan Pronunciation’ and the second book entitled ‘Speak Fluent Tibetan’. The research works were used as a manual to teach Tibetan four times this year and the results were exceptionally good. The books would be published hopefully this year • Proofreading Bodhicharyaavatara (sPyod ‘jug) • Working on the next two volumes of sgrung gter • Translating Gen Lamrimpa Ngawang Phuntsok’s ‘The Lamp Illuminating the Significance of the Four Great Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching’ and his autobiography • Critically editing translation of Tokan Tada’s ‘The Thirteenth Dalai Lama’ • Translating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s ‘A Lamp of Principal aspects of the Path’ (Lam gtso’i sgron me) • Translating ‘Authenticating Tibet’, Chapters: 6, 7&8 • Feeding in computer: ‘Krodhupchar’ (Dealing With Anger) (Hindi)
Buddhist Philosophy Classes:
and
Language
• Three different Buddhist philosophy classes have been taken daily out of which two are being translated into English.
Workshops and Seminars: • Coordinated the three-month Intensive Translation Programme from 20th July to 20th October. Thirty young Tibetan students attended the programme. • Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam attended a four-day Fundraising & Communication Workshop organised by the South Asian Fund Raising Group for Social and Resource Development Fund from 11th to 14th December 2009.
Other Services: • Edited the translation of the first three-day teaching of His Holiness at TCV School 2007 by Adele Tomlin from England • Wrote two book reviews - Memories of Life in Lhasa under Chinese Rule by Thubten Khetsun, (trans. Mathew Akester), and Impermanence: Embracing Change by David Hodge& Hi Jin Kang Hodge • Compiled a complete Tibet Journal Index (19752008) • Fed in computer: Gedun Choephel’s (gNas yig) (Hindi) • Translated five chapters from the collection of guidelines given by His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama at the Tibetan Parliament (Volume: 2), from Tibetan to English • Translated Samdhong Rinpoche’s preface to ‘gTam-rgyud gser-gi thang-ma’, Tales of Golden Plain from Tibetan to English • Assisted and provided research and translation guidance and services to Tibetan and nonTibetan scholars, researchers and students throughout the year 2
Tibetan Cultural Research Publications this year 1.
gtam tshogs (The Journal of Tibet) No. 1, 2009
2.
gtam tshogs (The Journal of Tibet) No. 1 and 2, 1993
3.
bod kyi brad sprod rig p’i gzung las bya tshig gi rnam gzag bshad pa shes bya’i nam ‘phang gcod p’i rig p’i gru gzings by A lak dorshe
4.
rtsom rig gces btus (collection of articles by) Je Tsong Kha Pa Sangtong Rinpoche Dongkar Lobsang Thinley A Lak Dorshe Chabtsang Jampal.
5.
kun khyab sems ‘khur dang ‘dzam gling zhi bde by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
6.
lta b’i gces btus by H.H the 14th Dalai Lama, Jetsun Mela Ralpa, Gongthang Tenpai Drolme, Gonjo Tsenam.
7.
nang chos gches btus H H the 14th Dalai Lama Je Tsun Me la Ralpa Gung Thang Tenpai Dhonmei Gonjo Tsenam
8.
ston p’i mdzad rnam gsal b’i me long Translated by Gelong Ngaeton Gyatso
9.
chos ‘byung nor bu’i ‘phreng ba Compiled by the first batch of Teacher Training 1971
7.
gling rje ge sar gyi rtsha b’i mdzad pa mdor bsdus dang slob dpon chen po’i rnam thar chen mo nas zur phayung snying bsdus ‘g’ zhig bzhugs so Mewoe Bartsal
8.
nyams len gces btus
9.
dbu ma rtsha ba shes rab kyi ngag don bshad pa rin po che’i ‘phreng ba Je Gedhon Dup
10.
thugs rje chen po’i sgrub thabs kyi don rnam par bshad pa bya b’i rgyud kyi don gsal mkhas p’i dg’ ston Yongzen yeshi Gyaltsen
11.
rlngas kyi po ti bse ru rgyas pa Tai Situ Jangchup Gyaltsen
10.
mkha’ ‘gro ye shes mtho rgyal dang Bee ro tsa’ n’i rnam thar, Author: unknown
12.
chos ‘byung me tog snying po sbrang rtshi’i bcud Nyangre Nyima Weoser
11.
grub thob brgyad cu rtsha bzhi’i lo rgyus
13
mi l’i rnam thar ngan song grol slob dpon rin po che’i rnam that rgya gar ma rje ‘bngas nyer lng’i rnam thar mdor bsdus
Meijig Jinpai Pal 12. 13.
ston p’i rnam thar mngon par ‘byung b’i mdo Shol Ka Gyur Dho la pa pha yul gyi phan bde’i ched du Biography of Tashi Tsering Translated by Chung Tsering
14.
srong btshan zhib ‘jug Men Sher Lodoe
15.
yongs ‘dzin gling rdo rje ‘chang chen po’i mdzad rnam mdo tsham brjod pa H H the 14th Dalai Lama
16.
17.
18.
19.
bod kyi srol rgyun sman rtshis rig p’i dpyad yig mu tig phring mdzes stod cha Ae Pa Sonam Rinchen bod kyi srol rgyun sman rtshis rig p’i dpyad yig mu tig phring mdzes smad cha Ae Pa Sonam Rinchen grub mth’i rnam bshad grub mtha’ rin chen phring b’i bka’ ‘khrid H.H the 14th Dalai Lama rgyal ba bskal bzang rgya mtso’i gsung ‘bum pod lhag ma lnga ka, ja,nya,ta, tha
Works in Progress: 1.
rgyal ba sku phreng bcu gsum chen po’i gsung ‘bum
2.
gtam tshogs (The Journal of Tibet) No. 1 and 2, 1992
3.
gtam tshog Year 1994 15 No. 1 No.2 year 1995- 15 No. 1 and No.2
4. 5. 6.
gtam tshog Year 2009 -29 No. 2 year 2010 -30 No. 1 and No. 2 bod kyi brda sprod nag Ti ka (to be published after revision). me long rnam bshad blo gsar bung b rol ba le’u dang po dang gnis pa
Other services by this department: • Taught Tibetan language to the students of the three-month Intensive Translation Programme organised by the LTWA from 20th July to 20th October 2009 • As instructed by the Director and requested by Dzong sar Monastery, the Department head visited the monastery in Chauntra in April 2009 to provide guidance in compiling the collection of works of the late Khanchen Wangchug and editing his biography • Presented written papers on the topic: “Discussing some secrets of the Tibetan language,” during the Seminar on Tibetan and Himalayan Studies organised by the LTWA • Participated and presented articles on “Tibetan Language” at the “Scholars’ Debate” organised by the College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sahra in commemoration of 50 years of the Tibetan government and people in exile • Took part in the five days’ “Tibet Festival 2010”, in November 2009 and gave a lecture on Tibetan Language The Department Head taught Tibetan Language courses in the mornings from 8 am to 9 am for six months. It was specifically for those Tibetan youngsters who were interested in improving their Tibetan language skills.
Tibetan culture globally. In a month, on an average over 500 visitors, including foreigners, visited the museum. However, the presentation of the exhibits needed to be changed and improved for better understanding of the cultural heritage. Therefore, through the years, volunteers had been working for restructuring of the items displayed. The following Volunteers had served during the year: 1. Rachel Alma Lev, Museum Designer, Israel. 2. Ann Shaftel, Conservation Consultant, Canada. 3. Carla Michalove, Educational Consultant, USA. 2
Publications Department A. New Titles Published: 1.
Treasury of Fables Vol.1 (Tibetan)
2.
Nalanda Zhib’jug (Tibetan)
3.
The Treasure of the Ancestral Clans of Tibet
4.
Tibet and the British Raj
5.
Biography of H.H. Ling Rinpoche (Tibetan)
6.
A Hundred Customs and Traditions of Tibetan People
7.
Treasury of Fables Vol.2 (Tibetan)
8.
Oral History Series 26 (Tibetan)
9.
For One’s Country (Tibetan) (lo rgyus deb phreng 4)
10.
Fashen Guide Book (Tibetan)
B. Reprints 1. Reprints with new type settings and with new cover design 1.
Lectures on Tibetan Medicine
2.
Cultivating a Daily Meditation
3.
Daily Recitation
4.
A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life
2. Reprints 1.
Modern Tibetan Language Vol.1
2.
Learn to speak Tibetan and Hindi
3.
English for Beginners
4.
Text Book of Modern Colloquial Tibetan Conversation
5.
A Text Book Conversation
2
MUSEUM
of
Modern
Tibetan
Number of visitors to the museum has increased over the past years due to the rise in the interest in
VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 21
C. Cover
designing, format checking,
press works and other misc. services provided by this
Department:
1.
Karuna Shakti (Hindi)
2.
Collected Works of Seventh Dalai Lama, Vol-Ja
3.
The Life of the Buddha (Tibetan)
4.
Presentation of Verbs (Tibetan)
5.
lta b’i gces btus (Tibetan)
6.
Science Journal 13
7.
Collected Works of Seventh Dalai Lama, Vol-Ka
8.
gTam Tsog Vol 29 No 1
9.
Bodhipathpardipa (Hindi)
10.
nang chos gces btus (Tibetan) rtsom rig gces btus (Tibetan) An Anthology of Articles on Tibetan Medicine. Part I (Tibetan)
13.
An Anthology of Articles on Tibetan Medicine. Part II (Tibetan)
14.
gTam Tsog 1993 Vol 13 No 1
15.
gTam Tsog 1993 Vol 13 No 2
16.
Universal Responsibility and the World Peace (Tibetan)
17.
chos ‘byung norbu’i phreng ba (Tibetan)
18.
Khando Yeshi Tsogyal (Tibetan)
19.
srong btsan lo rgyus zhib ‘jug (Tibetan)
D. Works in Progress Don’t Say No to a Tibetan
and
correspondence by post
were
1. Mr. Tsering Namgyal, Publications Officer for 11 months 2. Ms. Chemi Wangmo, Assistant Publication Officer for 11 months
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
11.
E. Regular
During the year, following staff members managed the English Publications Department.
done
with
the
following individuals and offices:
1. Indraprastha Printing Press (CBT) 2. Vee Enn Press 3. Authors\Translators 4. Publishers seeking translation and copyrights for LTWA titles
F. Miscellaneous: During the year following translation rights were given to: 1. Vietnamese translation right for Modern Tibetan Language - Vol I by Losang Thonden was given to Viet Nalanda Foundation, Zangpo Project, Maryland, USA
Publications: 1.
Science Journal No.13
2.
Science Newsletter No. 8, 9 & 10
3.
Science Handbook (bilingual science textbook)
Works In Progress 1.
The Hidden Dimension: Unification of physics and consciousness By B. Alan Wallace (editing)
2.
Science and Buddhism: Toward a union of Love and Compassion by Victor Mansfield. (editing)
3.
Why monks study science? By monks (editing)
Workshops & Seminars: 16th – 30th December 2009 – The fourth Science leadership institute workshop was held at Drepung Monastery, south India. A total of thirty monks from different monasteries participated. Five great scholars from well known institutes in America like Smithsonian Institute, the Exploratorium and UC Berkeley, came to teach the monks. LTWA extends its deepest appreciations to the administrators of the Monastery for their hospitality 3rd – 15th May 2010 – The fifth Science Leadership Institute workshop was held at Deer Park Institute in Bir. This workshop ended with the graduation of the first batch of Science Leadership Institute monks from various monasteries. Along with the LTWA Science Department staff members, there were five great teachers from different institutes in America who taught the monks about hands-on science activities, preparation of expositions and etc. LTWA extends its deepest appreciations to the administrators of the Institute for their hospitality (for more information log on to: http:/scienceformonks.org)
17th May – 20th June – The third Emory-Tibet Science Initiative workshop was held at Sarah College and a total of eighty monks and nuns from different monasteries and nunneries participated. Around twenty teachers and professors mainly from Emory University, Atlanta and local Tibetan schools came here to teach the monks and nuns on various science subjects like Cosmology, Neuroscience, life science and Mathematics 22nd – 24th March 2010 – The third International Conference of Science translation into Tibetan was held at Emory University, Atlanta, US. LTWA Director, Geshe Lhakdor la attended this Conference and during the course of this seminar a total of 200 science terminologies were translated into Tibetan. 2nd – 7th January 2010 – As invited, the staff members of Science Department, LTWA gave a crash course on Science translation into Tibetan to
22 | Ltwa | NewsLetter VOL.03
the Science Meets Dharma Translators in Mundgod, Karnatake State
2
12.
1.
G. Personnel
Translations: 1.
Chapter 1-3 of Scientific Revolution by Thomas Kuhn
2.
Science textbook material for ETSI year three 2
ADMINISTRATION Computer Section The Institute’s computer system maintenance and updates were carried out promptly: Free edition of AVG Antivirus version 9, installed on all compatible LTWA computers and updates are made available frequently. Activities: • Through the IPCop 1.4.11 firewall system installed at the Library, all the computers have internet facility with a daily usage limit of 10 to 50 MB depending on their requirements • Since 2008, conversion software (Attu Beta version) to convert all the old documents typed in the Youtso font (Dongle) into plan Unicode font was built with the help of Mr. Fredrick Johnson. Copy of the software has been handed over to the Tibetan Cultural Research Department for test running the software • Actual construction, designing and completion of the new multi-purpose studio and Conference hall were carried out. A three day trip was also made to Delhi to purchase audio equipments
• Certificates and IDs for Buddhist Philosophy, Culture & Language workshop, Translation workshop, Language classes, were designed and printed • New LTWA IDs were designed, printed and issued • The old 10 KV online ups was replaced by 35 New 600 VA UPS at the LTWA main Building • The LTWA website was maintained • Co coordinated the 3 day International Seminar on Tibetan and Himalayan Studies from 3rd to 5th September, 2009 • System memory update was also carried out for all the LTWA computers
Community Service - Ltwa & Ghi A new community officer was recruited following the resignation of the former officer. The main responsibility of the staff is to create awareness, particularly among school children, of the threat posed by earthquake and inculcate measures in mitigating harms caused by the catastrophe.
Tibetan schools around Dharamsala were visited and earthquake sensitization meetings were held that proved to be very helpful. On the 105th anniversary of the Kangra earthquake, LTWA and GHI (Geo-Hazard International) organised the second Tibetan school shakeout drill. Over 16,500 school children and staff members from thirty different schools of five northern states of India took part in the event. In an effort to get into contact with a wider audience, a number of articles on earthquake safety measures, both in Tibetan and English, were written and published in various periodicals. Pamphlets and leaflets are also being prepared for distribution where the officer can not reach. All the staff and residents of LTWA were also acquainted with the devastating effect of earthquake and mitigation of its harm through simple measures.
recurring and non-recurring expenditures. It is indeed the lifeline of LTWA. Rest of the fiscal budgetary expenses were met from donations and incomes generated from class fees, hostel rents and sale of publications.
Governing Body During the fiscal year two Governing Body meetings were held under the Chairmanship of Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister), CTA. Important matters pertaining the development of the institution were discussed and resolved.
Executive Committee The LTWA Executive Committee held four meetings to assess the over-all development of the institution. Important matters were discussed and resolved.
Fiscal Budget The LTWA is chiefly dependent on annual funding from the Government of India for meeting both
LTWA Diary May 20 Farewell dinner for Deputy Director Ms. Radha by LTWA and OHHDL jointly.
November 5 – 10 Tibetan NGOs of Dharamsala collectively organised the Tibet Festival in Gangtok from 6 10 November in partnership with local Tibetan NGOs. There were various cultural and religious activities highlighting Tibet’s rich cultural heritage, alongside programmes for thanking India for providing 50 years of asylum. Three of our staff members attended the Festival and on the 9th, Tibetan Cultural Research Department head, Sangye Tendar la gave a talk. LTWA books were also displayed for sale and exhibition during the Festival.
November 11 Mr. Umesh Kumar, Director, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, visited LTWA and expressed complete satisfaction of the new Annexe building.
2010 May 17 to June 19 The third Emory Tibet Science Initiative Programme took place and this month-long science study was attended by around 90 monks and nuns from 23 monasteries and nunneries and was taught by a team of qualified, experienced and dedicated science teachers from Emory University. The teachings were translated by qualified science translators of the LTWA science department.
June 1 Gyalwa Karmapa visited LTWA. June 26 to 29 Training for LTWA staffs on scanning texts etc. by Morris Hopkins. The training was completed successfully. July 1 The fifth three month-long Intensive Translation Programme was started with 34 students.
VOL.03 NewsLetter |Ltwa| 23
LTWA 2010 - 2011
December 3 – 9 Review of His Holiness’s teachings with the Russian group at LTWA by the Director. December 20 – 23 The Director will attend a Conference on Science and Spiritualism at Gangtok, Sikkim. August 19 LTWA organised a one day discussion on the future production and distribution of Tibetan electronic Dictionary by Ven. Losang Monlam. September 7 A group of 18 people from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), visited Dharamsala during which they also visited LTWA. October 5 Sophie Bouris and David Hutchinson from Tibet Cultural Centre Ltd., Australia, visited the LTWA. October 7 Ms. Libby Liu (President of Radio Free Asia - US), Mr. Kalden Lodoe (Senior Broadcaster of RFA Tibetan Service), and Mr. John Estrella (Director of External Relations and Communications of RFA) visited the LTWA. November 11 – 14 The Director attended the 15th Annual Conference by the Institute of Won-Hyo Studies at Bunhwangsa Buddhist Temple, Gyeongju, Gyeongsanbuk-Do, South Korea. He also presented a paper on the relevance of Buddhism in the twenty first century. November 15 – 16 The Director gave talks in two Universities of Korea: Dongguk University and Uiduk University and visited few Korean temples. November 19 – 23 Science Exhibition on ‘The World of your Senses’ and Mind and Life XXII Contemplative Science: The Scientific Investigation of the Effects of Contemplative Practices on Human Biology and Behaviour was held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
UPCOMING EVENTS 2010 November 29 The Director will give Introductory teaching at LTWA for a Russian group to help better understand His Holiness’s teachings.
2011 January 8 – 11 The Director will attend the Tengyur Translation Conference: in the tradition of the 17 Nalanda Pandits. January 16 – 18 The Director will attend a Conference on Vinaya and present a paper on Sojong. February 1 – 7 The Director will attend the meeting of the Terminology Finalisation Committee of the DoE. February 24 to March 11 The Director will visit Israel and give teachings on: ‘Kamalashila’s texts on the Stages of Meditation’ and ‘The 4 Tenets - A Development of the View of Selflessness’. Geshe la will also attend programmes of the Tibetan People and Psycho-Dharma, Israel School for the Buddhist Study of the Mind. May 2 – 14 The Sager Science Leadership Institute will begins training for the second cohort of 35 monks and nuns at Deer Park Institute, Bir. May 17 to June 20 The fourth Emory Tibet Science Initiative (ETSI) will be held at IBD Sarah. June 1 to July 15 Give lectures during the summer Camp for University going Tibetan youths and professionals from outside India, mainly U.S. August 20 to 24 The Director will attend a ‘Symposium on Death and Dying’ at Breuninger Foundation, Ontario, Canada. September 16 – 18 The Director will give teachings on Calm Abiding, Mindfulness, Mental Alertness, conscientiousness and Nine types of meditative absorptions at Austria. October As invited by Manjushree Centre of Tibetan Culture, the Director will visit Darjeeling and give a series of teachings on Buddhism.
The newsletter of the LTWA is an annual publication. Its purpose is to provide news and information on all activities related to the growth and development of the Library. The newsletter is provided free of cost. However, donations to defray the cost of publication and postage will be gratefully accepted and acknowledged. Readers, who wish to receive future issues of the newsletter, should write to The Office Secretary, Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala, Distt.Kangra, H.P. India.
Governing Body Chairman H.H. the Dalai Lama VICE - CHAIRMAN Ven.Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, Kalon Tripa, CTA Members Ven. Tsering Phuntsok Kalon for Religion & Culture, CTA Ven. Doboom Rinpoche Director, Tibet House, Delhi Mr. Lobsang Dhargay Chief Justice Commissioner (Rtd.), CTA Prof. P.N. Sharma Principal (Rtd.), Govt. College, Dharamsala Ven. Lhakdor Director, LTWA Representatives from the Govt of India Ms. Manika Jain Director, Liaison Office, MEA, Dharamsala Mr. B.B. Samaddar Director, Ministry of Culture, New Delhi
AdViSorS
Ven. Geshe Lhakdor Ngawang Yeshi Tsering Namgyal Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam EDITOR
Chemi Wangmo